SEL Tip: Light in the Dark — Helping Students Find Courage in Scary Times

Uncertainty—and even fear—often finds its way into our classrooms. Whether it’s world events, community challenges, or the everyday worries that come with growing up, students today are navigating scary times that call for empathy, hope, and courage. While we can’t always shield them from those scary times, we can give them something even more powerful—the courage and emotional tools to face them.

By integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into classroom routines this fall, teachers can help students see that even in scary times, they have the courage to shine a light—for themselves and for others.

Here’s how you can bring this theme to life in your classroom.

Facilitate a Read Aloud: The Dark by Lemony Snicket

The Dark by Lemony Snicket is a beautifully illustrated story about a young boy named Laszlo who is afraid of the dark—and learns to face his fear by understanding it. The book reminds students that fear is a normal part of life, but with compassion and courage, we can learn to coexist with it instead of running away.

How to Use It:

• Read-Aloud Setup: Before reading, invite students to share something that makes them feel scared or uneasy—big or small. As you read, pause when Laszlo approaches the dark and ask, “What do you think he’s feeling right now?” or “What would you do if you were in his place?”

• Discussion: After the story, ask: “What helped Laszlo be brave?” and “When have you faced something that scared you?” Encourage students to share strategies that helped them move through fear—like asking for help, taking deep breaths, or remembering they aren’t alone. These conversations remind students that courage isn’t about the absence of fear — it’s about moving forward even during scary times.

• Connection to SEL Goals: Reinforce self-awareness and self-management by helping students name their fears and reflect on healthy ways to respond. Emphasize that bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to act with courage even when we feel scared.

Create Personalized “Light Habits”

After the read-aloud, help students create their own “Light Habits”—small, positive actions that help them feel calm, grounded, and hopeful during uncertain & scary times. Examples include:

• Courage: “When something feels scary, I’ll take one small brave step instead of giving up.”

• Self-Awareness: “When I start to feel anxious, I’ll pause and take three deep breaths.”

• Relationship Skills: “I’ll say something kind to someone who looks upset.”

• Responsible Decision-Making: “When I’m worried about something, I’ll talk to a trusted adult instead of keeping it to myself.”

Have students write or draw their Light Habit on a paper lantern cutout or sticky note. Display them on a “Wall of Light” to remind students that together, their small acts of courage create something bright.

Reflect and Shine

Help students revisit their Light Habits regularly with reflection prompts or quick discussions. Ideas include:

• Light Check-Ins: At the end of each week, ask: “When did you feel brave this week?” or “What helped you get through a hard moment?”

• Journaling: Have students write about a time they helped someone else feel less afraid.

• Community Circle: Let students share how someone’s kindness or courage inspired them.

Reflection helps students see that their small, steady choices have real power—to change their mindset, strengthen their relationships, and brighten the classroom.

Promoting Resilience and Hope

SEL gives students the tools to navigate uncertainty with compassion and courage. By fostering habits of reflection, empathy, and mindfulness, we help them understand that fear doesn’t have to control their actions—it can become a teacher. When students learn that they can be a light for themselves and others, they begin to see that the world, no matter how scary, still holds goodness and possibility.

In Conclusion

This Halloween season—and in all the scary times we face—invite your students to look for the light. Remind them that bravery and kindness are forms of courage that can turn even the darkest moments into opportunities for growth. By connecting SEL to the real emotions students experience in uncertain times, you’re helping them build inner strength that will guide them for life.

If you found this content helpful, you might enjoy this Imagineerz blog post: SEL Tip: Halloween Connections.